49ers Bryant Young Credits Faith During Hall of Fame Speech

August 10, 2022225 views0

49ers Bryant Young Credits Faith During Hall of Fame Speech

2022-08-10T12:57:36+01:00

By Church News

San Francisco 49ers legend Bryant Young credited his Christian faith and his family during his enshrinement speech while being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, saying his story is one of faith, football and family.Bryant Colby Young is an American former professional football player who was a defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).A first-round draft pick out of the University of Notre Dame, Young was nominated for the 2019 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, eventually being elected in 2022.He said, “What a journey: Six kids. Careers. Injuries. Life-altering losses,” he said during the ceremony in Canton, Ohio. Referencing his wife, he added, “Kristin – my partner in all things, co-heir in Christ – you embody much of what this jacket and this day represent: sacrifice, selflessness, integrity. I love you so much. … Kids, I admire your courage, determination, maturity and resilience. You inspire me to be the best version of myself. I’m proud to be your dad. I love you.”Bryant continued, “I stand here thanks to my root system: My wife, family, and friends. Teammates – my football brothers,” he said. “The University of Notre Dame and the 49ers. Coaches who saw potential and honed it. Doctors, trainers and spiritual mentors. And our church and school community.“And above all, a gracious God,” he said.Young referenced the many trials he’s faced in life, including injuries, the 2020 death of his mother and the 2016 death of his son, Colby, to brain cancer.“I’ll close with some lessons I’ve learned along the way: From my pain, I’ve found purpose. Letting someone grab my hand is as important as reaching for theirs,” he said. “In an isolated world, personal connections matter more than ever. I keep my gaze on Christ and pour myself into good works, including the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. I’ve learned to trust God’s plan and timing, not mine.”ALSO READ Khari Willis Abandons NFL For Advancement Of The Gospel Of Jesus Christ